[bigdaddycane]

I had my F31 in at GT Peace in Chantilly yesterday for a suspension replacement and when the oem front struts were pulled out they were completely worn out. Not leaking, but could be depressed easily by hand. I changed out the suspension because I always felt the F3X suspension was not as good as the E9X or G2X versions, but I was really shocked (no pun) that the struts were completely gone at 95K.

I did Bilstein B8s with H&R springs, and strut bushings and the car feels amazing. The drop was perfect with my Apex SM-10s as well. I will post some pics when the car is clean.

Moral of the story: Don't assume BMW OEM shocks and struts last a long time

[Eschmacher]

Good choice. The B8s don't feel too harsh?
I have H&R springs as well and love the height.

[bigdaddycane]

Originally Posted by Eschmacher

Good choice. The B8s don't feel too harsh?

coming off of blown struts anything feels stiff. lol

The B8s were not much more money than the B6s so I went for the better shock / strut combo. I don't think its that harsh but its only been a day to get use to. Just took it for a long drive to WV for work and it was not bad at all.

[_ObiJon]

Originally Posted by bigdaddycane

coming off of blown struts anything feels stiff. lol

The B8s were not much more money than the B6s so I went for the better shock / strut combo. I don't think its that harsh but its only been a day to get use to. Just took it for a long drive to WV for work and it was not bad at all.

How's it been? My OEM struts are blown and have been thinking of swapping to B8s or Koni Sports.

[exE36M3]

Do it. I'm a big fan of Koni personally - put over 100k on my E36 M3 for track days, commuting on Koni's and Eibach Springs. The instructors always commented how nice it all handled and rode.

Be sure to do the adjustable versions so you can fine tune your ride. If I recall, a full set is around $800-ish from Tire Rack.

[bigdaddycane]

Originally Posted by _ObiJon

How's it been? My OEM struts are blown and have been thinking of swapping to B8s or Koni Sports.

Its been great, sorry I have not posted pics, but the car has been dirty.

The ride quality is really good even on long road trips. I would highly recommend this setup.

[_ObiJon]

Thanks bigdaddycane and ExE46M3, looks like I'll go with the B8s vice the Konis for my refresh.

[bigdaddycane]

Originally Posted by _ObiJon

Thanks bigdaddycane and ExE46M3, looks like I'll go with the B8s vice the Konis for my refresh.

What springs will you run with them?

[_ObiJon]

Originally Posted by bigdaddycane

What springs will you run with them?

I'm currently on Dinan sport springs. I've read that the B8s can be harsh on high-speed compression but it can't be as harsh as blown OEM struts.

[bigdaddycane]

Originally Posted by _ObiJon

I'm currently on Dinan sport springs. I've read that the B8s can be harsh on high-speed compression but it can't be as harsh as blown OEM struts.

You should be fine, I have H&Rs and they feel good.

The blown shock thing really just makes me shake my head. I wonder how long mine were blown....

[johnung]

Originally Posted by _ObiJon

How's it been? My OEM struts are blown and have been thinking of swapping to B8s or Koni Sports.

Koni Sports are much less harsh than B8's. And the Koni's are adjustable for comfort. Both can handle a big drop but if you only intend to drop an inch or less then consider Koni Special Active. Like a sport and comfort shock in one with a dual frequency system designed with McLaren. Eibach springs are a great match because they aren't super stiff like H&R springs

[_ObiJon]

Originally Posted by johnung

Koni Sports are much less harsh than B8's. And the Koni's are adjustable for comfort. Both can handle a big drop but if you only intend to drop an inch or less then consider Koni Special Active. Like a sport and comfort shock in one with a dual frequency system designed with McLaren. Eibach springs are a great match because they aren't super stiff like H&R springs

I've had Koni Yellows (Sports) on a previous car (DSM) that were used as a custom coilover setup, modeled off of a well known autocrosser's build. It worked well and I loved the ride, even with a pretty heavy front Hyperco spring (800lb).

It's a good read: http://www.farnorthracing.com/autocross/konis.html

This was mainly due to Konis being the best OTS option for DSMs, better than BC/K-Sport or anything along those lines, just renamed. I would love to build something similar on this platform.

[_ObiJon]

Originally Posted by bigdaddycane

You should be fine, I have H&Rs and they feel good.

The blown shock thing really just makes me shake my head. I wonder how long mine were blown....

Agreed. I purchased the car with the current setup, additionally this is my first BMW, so it's hard for me to compare what it should feel like.

[bigdaddycane]

My F31 with H&Rs, Bilstein B8s and 19x9.5 Apex SM-10s

[fe7565]

Originally Posted by bigdaddycane

My F31 with H&Rs, Bilstein B8s and 19x9.5 Apex SM-10s

Looks nice...slightly aggressive! Reading at your older posts, how did you discover that your shocks were blown? Any indication during the ride?

[bigdaddycane]

Originally Posted by fe7565

Looks nice...slightly aggressive! Reading at your older posts, how did you discover that your shocks were blown? Any indication during the ride?

The picture is a bit deceptive, its not that aggressive and has never rubbed. If you saw it in person you'd understand. It really feels the way the car should have come from the factory.

I bought the car with 50K and the suspension always felt "soft" but that was the knock on the F3Xs and I had planned to do a upgrade of some kind. It never felt dangerous, but I physically saw the struts and they were completely gone.

[fe7565]

Originally Posted by bigdaddycane

The picture is a bit deceptive, its not that aggressive and has never rubbed. If you saw it in person you'd understand. It really feels the way the car should have come from the factory.

I bought the car with 50K and the suspension always felt "soft" but that was the knock on the F3Xs and I had planned to do a upgrade of some kind. It never felt dangerous, but I physically saw the struts and they were completely gone.

I blew two near new Pirelli tires (side bubble both) in Alexandria and surprised that my shocks seem to be still working fine after 10 years. I just love to see my tax payer dollars go to all kinds of stupid lib pet projects here in this city-county..but for fixing the roads.

[bigdaddycane]

Originally Posted by fe7565

I blew two near new Pirelli tires (side bubble both) in Alexandria and surprised that my shocks seem to be still working fine after 10 years. I just love to see my tax payer dollars go to all kinds of stupid lib pet projects here in this city-county..but for fixing the roads.

VA is hit or miss for roads. Where I am they seem to pay the roads every 2-3 whether they need it or not.

[_ObiJon]

Originally Posted by bigdaddycane

VA is hit or miss for roads. Where I am they seem to pay the roads every 2-3 whether they need it or not.

Looking forward to seeing this car on the road, some day.

[bigdaddycane]

Originally Posted by _ObiJon

Looking forward to seeing this car on the road, some day.

its out quite a bit as it is my daily! Where do you live in Ashburn? I live in Brambleton.

I love the car, especially with this suspension, it has been very good to me.

[_ObiJon]

Originally Posted by bigdaddycane

its out quite a bit as it is my daily! Where do you live in Ashburn? I live in Brambleton.

I love the car, especially with this suspension, it has been very good to me.

I have to update that, I'm actually in Stone Ridge now, just south of 50 on Stone Springs.

I'll make sure to honk if I see you!

[bigdaddycane]

Originally Posted by _ObiJon

I have to update that, I'm actually in Stone Ridge now, just south of 50 on Stone Springs.

I'll make sure to honk if I see you!

I'll do the same. Also be on the lookout for my Mineral White E92 M3 with
Vorsteiners and CF on it.